Detroit Lions won't hesitate to use critical starters on special teams

Justin Rogers | MLive.comDon't be surprised if safety Glover Quin is covering kicks for the Detroit Lions this season.

ALLEN PARK -- In 2012, the Detroit Lions struggled with injury issues at safety. By the end of the season, the team had used seven different players at the position.

To remedy the situation, the Lions targeted, and signed, Glover Quin in free agency. The four-year veteran hasn't missed a start in more than three seasons, bringing stability to the unit through his durability.

While a member of the Houston Texans, Quin was a regular on the team's special teams units. Based on the groupings the Lions have been using during training camp, Detroit is also prepared to utilize him on coverage units.

"It's all about the team, if he can help the team, if he can make a difference," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. "We had some well-documented special teams concerns early last year. A lot of it had to do with young players out there that were learning on the job. You don't get any curve grades for that stuff. If a guy can help, a guy fits in a role, we certainly spot players like that on special teams."

With only 46 players active on game day, there's bound to be a handful of offensive and defensive starters working on special teams. Linebackers Justin Durant and DeAndre Levy and cornerback Chris Houston were on coverage units at various times last season.